Hi folks,

I owned my first FD (Black 93 Base) back in 1996 and subsequently sold it in 2000 due to my needing a more practical car. I've spent the past years turning that car (2000 Audi S4) into something a bit more fun (500awhp on pump gas, coil overs, big brakes, blah blah). The Audi is a great daily driver, but I found myself longing for the FD... so now I'm back with a 1993 Touring. It's refreshing to still see some names I remember from the old Email list and some of the more informative sites archived. This community has done a wonderful job in preserving its knowledge. Thank you.

I did search the archives quite extensively but would prefer to converse a bit on a few topics.

AST delete.
I replaced the AST on my old FD with a soda-can shaped sucka: It seemed to work fine. I notice now folks are totally bypassing it. Are there any definitive downsides beyond the theoretical loss of cooling capacity due to air bubbles? I'm in the process of installing R1 oil chillers, a fluidyne rad and the FC thermoswitch.

Intercoolers
So many options. My battery is moved and I have a PFS intake. I'd prefer to find a good deal on a used M2 large smic. Is a hybrid FMIC a viable option with the above cooling mods? The V-mounts look awesome but the price is staggering. I want to spend 1k at the most, with piping. I definitely want the largest and most efficient IC I can stuff under there WITH adequate cooling of it and the radiator. Is it just me, or is the SMIC's position above the radiator bothersome?

ECU.
I'm very heavily leaning towards the Power FC due to its being able to be upgraded and manipulated in every regard. Is there any downside? I would kill to have this kind of control over my Audi!

Turbos.
Any future in the twins? I would feel so much better if some compressor maps are available for the OE units and the J-spec upgrades. Knowing the turbine speeds PR and flow would really help in designing proper upgrades for them, if at all possible.

If not, A big single that spools below 3500. Does a GT35rs on a T3 1.0 Hotside sound decent? I'd be looking for low 400's whp as my goal with excellent response. There seem to be so so many options here, and I'm not opposed to journal bearings if the spool is there.

Clutch
I'm guessing the ACT street/strip clutch is the way to go. (HD Pressure plate with OE disc). I ran a ferramic sprung 6-puck on a stock PP on my old FD. It was almost like a lightswitch. Any others I should consider?

Cat-back
Any alternatives to the Racing Beat dual tip? I had one on my previous FD and absolutely loved it.

Fluids
Synthetic oils are good now, Cool. Back in the day using synthetics was considered worse than using your oil fill-tube as a urinal. I'll probably go M1 5-40, same stuff I use in my other cars. Anything proven superior? Any problem with using the newer HOAT coolants? I already ordered a gallon of NEO instead of my usual MT90 for the tranny and diff. Pre mix oils: Never tried it. 200:1 of a synthetic 2cycle oil can't hurt though

Since you've taken the time to read this far down, thanks! I appreciate any advice you can give on the above topics.

-Mike

 

Power FC and ACT street/strip is the way to go.

Check the dyno and video link in my sig. You can make single-turbo type power with these BNR twins, and you can keep them sequential too

http://www.bnrturbos.com/3rdGen.htm

 

Very impressive. What turbine/compressor blades are those? Are there any compressor maps available for these? I'll even take compressor outlet temperature data for a given Pressure Ratio.

This is really tempting

Thanks!

 

These turbos will flow about at much (and make as much power as) a T-66 sized turbo. Steve Kan (who has tuned many many FDs) told me that all the BNR cars he has seen set up to run parallel turbos made dyno graphs very similar to a Greddy T-78 equipped FD. Now, run these sequentially to get the nice 3k to 8k powerband, and look out! I have been tempted to go back to sequential, but frankly it's too much work for me at this point (new manifold, turbos have to be modded etc).

Rich

 

That's good stuff, but there's no data available, eh? Any idea what wheels are being used? I'm just a data-***** when it comes to this stuff and find great comfort in doing the math. Since this is a proven production piece, I suppose it's not as important as it is when I'm having my turbos custom-made to my specs with my other car.

The big temptation of these is the powerband. My S4 makes 27psi at 2800rpm and holds it to redline. I'd love to be able to have that kind of powerband in the FD.

-Mike